Automatic bag dispenser



June 13, 1961 w. P. MANNHARDT 2,988,245

AUTOMATIC BAG DISPENSER Filed Sept. 2, 1958 1/ kgzpj 25 INVENTOR.

too bulky or are too expensive to pre-package.

storage in the dispensing unit.

United States Patent 2,988,245 AUTOMATIC BAG DISPENSER Wilbert P. Mannhardt, 730 Peterson Ave., Park Ridge, 111. Filed Sept. 2, 1958, Ser. N0. 758,228 2 Claims. (Cl. 221-42) My invention relates to an improved automatic bag dispenser which dispenses bags in folded condition and which is particularly useful with coin operated vending machines.

Many vending machines dispense products which are pre-packaged before storing in the machine. The con sumer need only insert a coin to acquire the packaged product. There are some products, however, which are Such a product is ice cubes or crushed ice. The ice products are being constantly manufactured by an ice making unit mounted on the vending machine and the products are stored in the dispensing unit of the machine. It is practically impossible to pre-package the ice cubes before Consequently, the consumer is forced to either provide his own packaging or to purchase it from the owner of the store in which the ice vending machine is located.

To obviate this irksome and troublesome problem, there is provided in accordance with the present invention an automatic bag dispenser for use with a coinoperated vending machine. The dispenser dispenses bags in the folded position upon insertion of a coin and may be synchronized in operation with the vending machine so that a single coin will operate both units in timed operation. The bag dispenser includes a bag holder which houses a number of bags which are upstanding and have their bottoms folded facing outwardly. The bags are urged towards the discharge point by a pressure pad. The outermost bag (the one to be discharged) is secured and positioned by restraining elements so that the bottom of .the bag will not open as the bag is being dispensed.

When a coin is inserted in the vending machine an electric motor is energized to rotate an arm one full revolution. The arm has a hook at one end which engages the flap of the bottom of the outermost bag, separates the bag from the bag holder and restraining elements in folded condition, and, when returning to its initial position, drops the folded bag into a chute from whence it travels to the consumer. The consumer opens the bag and holds it under the vending machine opening to receive the vended product.

It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide an improved automatic bag dispenser adapted for use with a coin-operated vending machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved automatic bag dispenser which dispenses bags in folded condition.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved automatic bag dispenser in which an arm with a hook at one end rotates one complete revolution during which time the hook engages the bottom flap of an upstanding bag and deposits same in folded condition in a chute.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an improved automatic bag dispenser of the foregoing type in which restraining elements insure that the bag remains in folded condition after being engaged and deposited in the chute by the arm hook.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved automatic bag dispenser for use with a coin-operated vending machine in which both units are H synchronized for timed operation by the insertion of a single coin.

'It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved automatic bag dispenser which is ice reliable in operation, low incost to manufacture, simple in design and operation and particularly adapted for use with coin-operated vending machines.

The novel features which I believe to be characteristic of my invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. My invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the improved automatic bag dispenser of the present invention and other components of a coin operated vending machine;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of an improved automatic bag dispenser made in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of the structure shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken through axis 4-4, FIGURE 3;

FIGURES 5-8 are somewhat diagrammatic views showing the sequential operation of the arm which dispenses the bags; and

FIGURE 9 is a schematic wiring diagram.

There is shown generally at 10, FIGURES 1-3, .an improved automatic bag dispenser made in accordance with the present invention. The bag dispenser 10 may be mounted on a conventional coin operated vending machine or may be used in conjunction with a coin operated unit. that vends other products, such as ice cubes or crushed ice. The preferred embodiment is shown in FIGURE 1 where the bag dispenser 10 is made part of a coin operated ice dispensing unit 12. Dispensing machine 12 has a switch 12a which is closed during the initial part of the operation of machine 12. The actuation of .switch 12a is not described in detail since it is of a type well known in the vending machine art, as for example as illustrated in US. Patent Nos. 2,348,927 and 2,668,636. An ice making unit 14 is mounted on ice dispensing unit 12 to manufacture and supply ice to dispenser 12. A coin inserted in. slot 13 of ice dispenser 12 energizes bag dispenser 10 which vends a bag. Thereafter, the consumer holds the bag, after opening it, in the Window 16 of unit 12 to .collect the ice which is dispensed fer a predetermined period of time.

Referring now. to FIGURES 2 and 3, the automatic bag dispenser 10 includes horizontal frame 18 from which depends three skirts 18a, 18b and 1850 which define the sides of the frame. The fourth side defines an opening which is the outlet end of chute 20. The (inlet end of chute 20. is defined by a cut-out 22 in frame .18

= and is located a substantial distance forward of opening 18d. The chute 20 depends from the frame 18 beginning with cut-out 22, extends along the length of frame 18 and terminates at opening 18d. As will he described in more detail hereinafter, the bags to be dispensed travel along the chute 20 to the outlet 18d from whence they are picked up by the consumer.

Referring again to FIGURES 2 and 3, a bag holder shown generally at 11 is mounted on frame 18. The bag holder 11 consists of four upstanding posts 24, 24a, 24b and 24c. Posts 24 and 240 are afiixed to the frame 18 near skirt 18a by welding or other similar means (not shown). Posts 24a and 24b are similarly affixed to the frame near skirt 18b. The four posts definea rectangular container into which folded upstanding bags 26 are placed. The space defined between posts 24 and 24a is the bag outlet and is identified at 25, FIGURE 3. The bags are inserted in such a manner that the folded bottom flaps of same face toward bag outlet 25 for a reason which will he explained in more detail hereinafter.

A pressure pad 28 continually urges bags 26 toward bag outlet 25 by exerting pressure on same in the outwar-d direction as shown by the arrow FIGURE 2. Pressure pad 28 includes U-shaped member 30' which is :located athwart frame 18 as best seen in FIGURE 3. The outside ends of member 30 are affixed to cords 32 which extend towards bag outlet 25 and are received in pulleys 34 which are mounted on posts 24 and 24a, respectively. Cords 32 then extend upwardly and are affixed to springs 36, which are in turn afiixed to posts 24b and 24c, respectively. Member 30 presses against the rearmost bag and is slidable along ways 18. Springs 36 and cords 32 urge the member 30 towards bag outlet 25 so that as the bags are dispensed, the pressure pad 28 continually supplies a new bag for bag outlet 25.

Bag holder 11 is also provided with bag retarding elements 38, 38a, 38b and 38c which may be springs or similar means. As best seen in FIGURE 4, retarding elements 38 and 38a are atfixed to post 24 by screws 40 'and42, respectively, and elements 38b and 380 are affixed to post 24a by screws 44 and 46, respectively. The preferred embodiment of the retarding elements is in the form ofspiral springs which engage and hold the folded lbottom flap 26a of the outermost bag 26, the purpose of which will be described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring now to FIGURES 2 and 3, a motor mount .48 is affixed to frame 18 by the bolts 47 and is located adjacent skirt 18c and outwardly of chute opening 22. .Electric motor 50 is afiixed to mounting plate 51 by welding or similar means (not shown). Plate 51 is secured to the mount 48 by bolts 52. The motor has a shaft 54 which receives rigid arm 56. The arm 56 has a hook 58 at one end and a counterbalance 60 at the other end. A microswitch 62 is afiixed to the top of motor 50 as seen in FIGURE 3. Contact arm 64 of switch 62 is in the path of travel of counterbalance 60. When arm 56 is in its initial position, a shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, the counterbalance 60 engages contact arm 64 and depresses same. When the motor 50 is energized by a coin or other means momentarily closing switch 12a in series with motor 50 and wires 70 and 71 leading to a source of electrical power (not shown), the arm 56 rotates in a clockwise direction. The counterbalance 60 rides oif contact arm 64 to allow it to spring out to its normal position. At this time, the microswitch 62 provides a connection with the source of electrical power (not shown) to keep motor 50 energized. When the arm 58 returns to its initial position after completing one full revolution, the counterbalance 60 again depresses contact arm'64, cuts off the source of electrical power and thereby de-energizes motor 50. This condition will remain unchanged until another coin energizes motor 50 at which time the cycle repeats itself.

. The operation of the present invention can best be understood by referring to FIGURES -8 which depict the sequential events as arm 56 rotates one complete revolution. Motor 50 commences operation upon insertion of a coin (not shown) by a "consumer. Arm 56 rotates clockwise. counterbalance 60 releases contact arm 64 of microswitch 62 to shift the connection to the source of electrical power to the switch. The arm continues around its path. Hook 58 ultimately approaches bag 26 as seen in FIGURE 5. The hook 58 engages the top of flap 26a which is formed by folding the bottom of the bag 26 in the position shown. There is .a small space between flap 26a and the body of the bag 26. The hook 58 is received in this space as shown in FIGURE 6. The arm 56 continues its movement and exercises force on flap 26a which causes the bag 26 to separate from the bagholder 11, as seen in FIGURE ,7. The restraining elements 38, 38a, 38b and 38:: offer some resistance to the downward force of hook 58 but are insufficient to prevent the hook from moving thebag 26 downward. The restraining elements do act, however, to keep the flap 26a in its folded condition, that is, to prevent the hook 58 from opening the bag. The purpose of this is to insure that the bags will be delivered to chute 20 in folded condition. Otherwise, the bags could not pass through the chute but would become jammed therein.

The hook 58, as seen in FIGURE 8, has returned to its initial position. It has separated bag 26 completely from bag holder 11 and restraining elements 38, 38a 38b and 380. Before the hook 58 is released from the flap 260:, it carries the bag 26 to a position immediately above chute opening 22. The force of gravity causes the bag to slip into chute opening 22 thereby releasing hook 58. The bag travel-s down chute 20 into chute outlet 18d from whence it is picked up by the consumer. In the meantime, counterbalance 60 has once again depressed contact arm 64 of microswitch 62 to cut off the source of electrical power to motor 50.

If desired, the electrical circuit utilized with the pres ent invention may also control the vending unit, 12 and 14, in a timed operation so that the product, such as ice, is dispensed after the bag dispenser 10 has discharged a bag.

Also, the ice dispensing machine 12 used in conjunction with the present invention may be a unit which is the object of my patent application Ice Dispensing Machine, filed May 5, 1958, Serial No. 732,932, now Patent No. 2,932,429, April 12, 1960, and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention.

While I have described and shown a specific embodiment of the present invention it will, of course, be understood that various modifications and alternative oonstruc tion-s may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope therof. I therefore intend by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and alternative constructions falling within their true spirit and scope. What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. A machine for automatically dispensing folded bags of paper or the like having the bottom folded up against a side of the folded bags, said machine being for use with a vending apparatus having a switch thereon and comprising: a frame defining a bag dispensing opening; a chute mounted on said frame and extending upwardly and inwardly from said opening; a bag holder supported on said frame, said holder including a support for the base of said folded bags, said support having a terminus above said chute, means to hold said bags normal to said support with said bags positioned with the folded bottoms thereof facing in the direction of said terminus and to urge said bags in the direction of said terminus, and a plurality of springs positioned in a plane generally normal to said support and at about said terminus to engage the exposed side and folded bottom of the forewardmost bag in said direction adjacent the edges of said bag and to hold said forewardmost bag substantially in said plane, whereby the springs contacting said folded bottom of said forewardmost bag will hold said bag closed; a shaft rotatably mounted on said frame generally parallel to said plane, said shaft being positioned in said direction from said plane and substantially above said support; a rotatable member attached to said shaft and having a hook shaped finger projecting from the end of said member, said finger being positioned to project into the space between said exposed side and bottom of said forewardmost bag to engage said forewardmost bag when said shaft is rotated in a direction such thatsaid finger moves along said exposed side of said bag from the middle of the bag toward said bottom thereof, whereby the finger rotating about said shaft positioned above and beyond said terminus will pull the forewardmost bag downwardly and outwardly away from said terminus; an electric motor connected to said shaft to rotate said shaft in said direction when said motor is energized; and means to energize said motonsaid means including a first normally closed switch actuated by said rotatable member to open said switch when said finger has moved substantially beyond the position at which it engages said forewardmost bag, said means being connected to the vending apparatus switch to momentarily energize said motor independently of said first switch whereby when said vending apparatus switch is actuated said rotatable member Will rotate for one revolution during which said finger will engage said forewardmost bag and deposit it on said chute and at the end of the revolution said motor will be deenergized by the actuation of said first switch.

2. A machine for automatically dispensing folded bags of paper or the like having the bottom folded up against a side of the folded bags, said machine comprising: a frame defining a bag dispensing opening; a chute mounted on said frame and extending upwardly and inwardly from said opening; a bag holder supported on said frame, said holder including a support for the base of said folded bags, said support having a terminus above said chute, means to hold said bags normal to said support with said bags positioned with the folded bottoms thereof facing in the direction of said terminus and to urge said bags in the direction of said terminus, and a plurality of springs positioned in a plane generally normal to said support and at about said terminus to engage the exposed side and folded bottom of the forwardmost bag in said direction adjacent the edges of said bag and to hold said forwardmost bag substantially in said plane, whereby the springs contacting said folded bottom of said forwardmost bag will hold said bag closed; a shaft rotatably mounted on said frame generally parallel to said plane, said shaft being positioned said direction from said plane and substantially above 30 said support; a rotatable member attached to said shaft and having a hook shaped finger projecting from the end of said member, said finger being positioned to project into the space between said exposed side and the folded bottom of said forwardmost bag to engage said forwardmost bag when said shaft is rotated in a direction such that said finger moves along said exposed side of said bag from the middle of the bag toward said bottom thereof, whereby the finger rotating about said shaft positioned above and beyond said terminus will pull the forwardmost bag downwardly and outwardly away from said terminus; and power means connected to said shaft to rotate said shaft in said direction through one revolution from and to the position at which said finger has moved substantially beyond the position at which it engages said forwardmost bag whereby during said revolution said finger will engage said forwardmost bag and deposit it in said chute.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 354,094 Brown Dec. 14, 1886 489,683 Monfort Jan. 10, 1893 529,222 Walton Nov. 13, 1894 859,853 Stewart July 9, 1907 1,011,105 Beach Dec. 5, 1911 1,892,148 Hohl Dec. 27, 1932 2,673,134 Barnett Mar. 23, 1954 2,713,441 Hutsell July 19., 1955 

